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Apr-7-2005 07:19

I saw on the news the other night that the American version of 'The Office' has just been launched. Has anyone seen it yet? The Office became one of my all time comedy favourites (I don't know how well it's known yet outside Britain) and I am curious to know the reaction to the American version - particularly how it will translate into American humour which is vastly different from British.

Apr-8-2005 10:24

I still love the classic british series, such as Dad's Army, Fawlty Towers, and Some Mother's Do Ave 'em. Dad's Army must be my favourite. I only have to hear Captain Mannering say "You Stupid Boy!" or Corporal Jones running around shouting "Don't Panic, Don't Panic," and I'm laughing until I cry. In fact, I think I have everyone ever made on video and I watch them when I am feeling down.

Apr-8-2005 10:31

Generally I like brit TV/comedies better than US -

Saw my first episode of the Office last night - mixed feelings but I think it will grow on me. I spent a year and a half in England, and suspect the Boss was patterned on my boyfriend's brother (at least I hope there aren't two of them) - funny to laugh at but also so sad, and that distracts me.

Episode ended with his 'practical' joke firing the receptionist for stealing. Made me want to cry. I don't know if that's the 'typical' American reaction. But I'm going to watch the next episode tonight.

Apr-8-2005 13:18

Stick with it Dogberta ... it's a definite grower : o )

Apr-9-2005 09:25

Blaise, I have seen chunks of The Office and I must say I've loved what I've seen. Most of my friends are massive fans and have told me that the American version while still funny has missed the mark somewhat! They've done little things like changing the word 'wanker' to 'jerk' to suit the American vernacular, and to me it doesn't seem to pack the same punch. Also the camera comes into play a little more ie. The David Brent character will actually motion the camera over to film something he wants to say. So mostly it's similar dialouge but little things have changed and it loses a bit of that quirky English humour/charm, or so I have been told.

Apr-9-2005 09:51

I've never heard of The Office. Im in US, where can I find that show on tv? what time does it usually come on? and what day? So full of questions...:)

I'm not much of a tv watcher anyways,I'd rather read, unless Im watching my sappy soap opera or Survivor. Ok, and Super Nanny,Wife Swap and American Idol heehee I'd like to check out The Office tho, not that I need anymore shows to watch, I can't keep up with the few I watch now. *smile*

Apr-9-2005 22:01

Jstkdn: I'm not sure about this, But I saw a show here in the USA years ago, about different types of shows in other countries. One of them was Survivor. But it was Japenese. Don't know where it came from and to tired to do any googling to make sure. Just my 2 cents worth. I also saw a show a couple of months ago, where the producer of Survivor said that the show was an American original basically. A bunch of bunk, but 90% of Americans will think it's true.

I understand British humour, don't always get it, but I love it and am glad it is there! This will probably make me look silly in some circles, but my favorite British comedy is 'Allo 'Allo. I find it hilarious. What an excellent satire on everyone!

I think alot of shows depend on the writers to "translate" from other countries and make things more customized for the country they are in. If the writers suck, the show will suck, no matter how good it was elsewhere.

I don't watch alot of TV so I haven't heard of the Office anywhere. There have been a couple of restaurant reality shows here and a couple of home improvement race type shows that never took off. Although I thought one of them was excellent.

And just for you Blaise, I don't get either Friends, or Black Adder, but I wholly get Malcolm and Faulty Towers!!!

In the words of the silly Englishman diguised as a French police officer, " Good Moaning".

Apr-10-2005 05:44

It is funny that you mention the "Good Moaning." When I arrived to work in Paris, I had to go past the housing office. I opened with "Good moaning, do you have rum?" This joke was NOT appreciated by the French.

I think it depends on where you consider the original coming from. Some times the basic concept came from one place, and then built out somewhere else. And not always are the shows close enough, to have to deal with the legal rights. I mean is the step from Survivor to Big Brother a big one? And considering it was a dutch company that made up the idea for Fear Factor, it was aired in the US first.

I am thinking I need to take Blaises offer to lend me his copy of The Office.

I am really curious now.

Apr-15-2005 04:07

I think America needs another British based humor show as there has to be a cap on all these reality shows. I love to watch the BBC. Who can forget Absolutely Fabulous (Ab Fab). I know Comedy Central even paid to have a season or 2 more made to satisfy the American Market.The office is a very good program but hope it doesn't get lost in translation.lol British comedy is quite refreshing and yes they do get away with so much more.lol We are now finally getting the same kind of comedy like Will and Grace versus/Are you being Served? Sad to say it's taken 20 years to get there.lol

Apr-15-2005 12:47

Texan and I love "Are you Being Served", "Keeping up Appearances", and of course "American Idol", which originated out of Britian. As far as Mr. Bean, we liked him better when he didn't speak. Some American comedians feel if their jokes are not sexual, they're not funny.

Apr-15-2005 13:07

jstkdn: I agree about "Jerry Springer". I think it should be a crime to air, or make it pay-per-view only. Plus, I'm with you Ben about the "Simsons". We think "The Simsons, and Hank Hill", are so funny. We watch episodes over and over again laughing our heads off.